Frequently Asked Questions

I. What is the Greek Life Insurance Policy Program?

The Greek Life Insurance Policy Program is a program created by New York Life Insurance Company to encourage claims for benefits under certain life insurance policies issued beginning in 1882 in the Ottoman Empire on the lives of persons of Greek ancestry (the "Greek Policies").

II. Who may submit a claim for benefits under the Program?

Any person who can prove that he or she is a descendant of a person insured under any of the Greek Policies may submit a claim for benefits.

III. What are the "Greek Policies"?

The Greek Policies are life insurance policies that: (i) were issued by New York Life Insurance Company some time after 1882, (ii) insured the life of a person of Greek ancestry living in the Ottoman Empire, (iii) were in effect after 1914, and (iv) have not been paid in any form, including payment of death benefits, surrender values, cash values, or endowments. You may view the list of the Greek Policies by clicking here.

IV. Are there any deadlines for submitting a claim?

Yes. Any person who can prove that he or she is a descendant of a person insured under one of the Greek Policies must submit a completed claim form to the Greek Life Insurance Claim Board, postmarked or e-mailed no later than March 31, 2009.

V. How do I submit a claim?

You must either mail or e-mail a completed claim form. You may view the claim form by clicking here.

Claim forms must be submitted to the Greek Life Insurance Claim Board by mail or via the internet.

If by mail: Send the completed claim form to Greek Life Insurance Claim Board, c/o The Garden City Group, Inc., P.O. Box 9272, Dublin, OH 43017-4672.

If by the internet: E-mail the completed claim form to questions@greekinsuranceclaims.com.

Claims postmarked or e-mailed after March 31, 2009 will NOT be considered by the Greek Life Insurance Claim Board, and will not be eligible for any benefits.

VI. Who will decide whether a claim will be paid?

The Greek Life Insurance Claim Board, consisting of three Greek-Americans who have volunteered to serve on the Board, will decide which claims will be paid. The Claim Board will review all information submitted in support of each claim and might contact the person submitting the claim to request additional information.

VII. What information must be submitted with a claim for the Greek Life Insurance Claim Board to consider the claim?

In order to have your claim considered, you must submit a claim form and some proof of your family relationship to a person insured under one of the Greek Policies. The Claim Board might request that the person submitting the claim provide additional information. If you have any questions, you can call for further information. In the United States, call 1-888-922-2973 weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In Greece, call 00 800 33 311144 weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

VIII. How will policy benefits be paid?

Once the Claim Board has approved a claim, the decision will be final. The Greek Policies are denominated in either French Francs or British Pounds. The policy proceeds will be converted to American dollars at the rate of 1 French Franc = $2.17 U.S. or of 1 British Pound = $24.96 U.S.

IX. When will policy benefits be paid?

Policy benefits will be paid some time after March 31, 2009, after all claims have been reviewed.

X. Is there information available in Greek?

Yes. For information in Greek, click here.

XI. Are there claim forms in English?

Yes. The English language claim form can be viewed here.

XII. Are there claim forms in Greek?

Yes. The Greek language claim form can be viewed here.